WALKING READING

Free photography walk as part of the Walking Reading Group
Initiated by Ania Bas & Simone Mair
Wed 26 March, 18:00
The Photographers’ Gallery
More details can be found here

NEW WEBSITE

After many sleepless nights and hundreds of cups of coffee, my new website is now online.

You can visit it here.

THIS WEEK’S PHOTO

It was around this time last year when I began my walk between London and Birmingham. This picture was one of the first I made as part of my latest series “All Things Pass”. The sculpture is one of a pair from the British sculptor Sean Henry. Collectively they are called Standing Man and Walking Man, and can be found at Paddington Basin in London.

I remember my first encounter with the sculptures on a cold winter day. From afar they appeared as two confrontational men, caught in a stand off. Afterwards I waited nearby to watch how others reacted to them as they walked by. Most people ignored them, but some stopped to examine them and have their photograph taken. The most memorable couple separated and stood next to each sculpture. They then walked the adjoining line towards one another until they met in the centre. Upon meeting, they embraced one another and then walked happily away, hand in hand. This memory has come back to me many times during my walk. It’s a reminder of the joy I feel when starting out on foot on a new and unpredictable journey.

MAKING A PATH

I recently discovered the work of Irish photographer Paul Gaffney. You can see his wonderful project “We make the path by walking” on his website here. There you can also purchase his book that was featured in the British Journal of Photography’s list, The Best Photobooks of 2013.

Images © Paul Gaffney

READING A WALK

I thought I would start the year with a some new walking literature, to get my feet motivated. All I need now is a nice comfy chair.

EXERCISE #5

In the city, amid all the things we have to do every day, this exercise should be done for twenty minutes.

THE SPEED EXERCISE

Walk for twenty minutes at half the speed at which you normally walk. Pay attention to the details, people, and surroundings. The best time to do this is after lunch. Repeat the exercise for seven days.

(Paulo Coelho – The Pilgrimage)